Optimized Protocol for Plasma-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Loading with Synthetic miRNA Mimic Using Electroporation

Extracellular vesicles as nanotheranostic platforms for targeted neurological disorder interventions

Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders represent a profound public health challenge that affects millions of people around the world. Diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and traumatic brain injury (TBI) exemplify the complexities and diversities that complicate their early detection and the development of effective treatments. Amid these challenges, the emergence of nanotechnology and extracellular vesicles (EVs) signals a new dawn for treating and diagnosing CNS ailments. EVs are cellularly derived lipid bilayer nanosized particles that are pivotal in intercellular communication within the CNS and have the potential to revolutionize targeted therapeutic delivery and the identification of novel biomarkers. Integrating EVs with nanotechnology amplifies their diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities, opening new avenues for managing CNS diseases. This review focuses on examining the fascinating interplay between EVs and nanotechnology in CNS theranostics. Through highlighting the remarkable advancements and unique methodologies, we aim to offer valuable perspectives on how these approaches can bring about a revolutionary change in disease management. The objective is to harness the distinctive attributes of EVs and nanotechnology to forge personalized, efficient interventions for CNS disorders, thereby providing a beacon of hope for affected individuals. In short, the confluence of EVs and nanotechnology heralds a promising frontier for targeted and impactful treatments against CNS diseases, which continue to pose significant public health challenges. By focusing on personalized and powerful diagnostic and therapeutic methods, we might improve the quality of patients.

Quantitative and functional characterisation of extracellular vesicles after passive loading with hydrophobic or cholesterol-tagged small molecules

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized intercellular messengers that bear enormous application potential as biological drug delivery vehicles. Much progress has been made for loading or decorating EVs with proteins, peptides or RNAs using genetically engineered donor cells, but post-isolation loading with synthetic drugs and using EVs from natural sources remains challenging. In particular, quantitative and unambiguous data assessing whether and how small molecules associate with EVs versus other components in the samples are still lacking. Here we describe the systematic and quantitative characterisation of passive EV loading with small molecules based on hydrophobic interactions - either through direct adsorption of hydrophobic compounds, or by membrane anchoring of hydrophilic ligands via cholesterol tags. As revealed by single vesicle imaging, both ligand types bind to CD63 positive EVs (exosomes), however also non-specifically to other vesicles, particles, and serum proteins. The hydrophobic compounds Curcumin and Terbinafine aggregate on EVs with no apparent saturation up to 106-107 molecules per vesicle as quantified by liquid chromatography - high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). For both compounds, high density EV loading resulted in the formation of a population of large, electron-dense vesicles as detected by quantitative cryo-transmission electron microscopy (TEM), a reduced EV cell uptake and a toxic gain of function for Curcumin-EVs. In contrast, cholesterol tagging of a hydrophilic mdm2-targeted cyclic peptide saturated at densities of ca 104-105 molecules per vesicle, with lipidomics showing addition to, rather than replacement of endogenous cholesterol. Cholesterol anchored ligands did not change the EVs' size or morphology, and such EVs retained their cell uptake activity without inducing cell toxicity. However, the cholesterol-anchored ligands were rapidly shed from the vesicles in presence of serum. Based on these data, we conclude that (1) both methods allow loading of EVs with small molecules but are prone to unspecific compound binding or redistribution to other components if present in the sample, (2) cholesterol anchoring needs substantial optimization of formulation stability for in vivo applications, whereas (3) careful titration of loading densities is warranted when relying on hydrophobic interactions of EVs with hydrophobic compounds to mitigate changes in physicochemical properties, loss of EV function and potential cell toxicity.

Purposing plant-derived exosomes-like nanovesicles for drug delivery: patents and literature review

INTRODUCTION

How can biotechnology and organic agriculture be fused and promoted simultaneously to overcome the main challenges in drug delivery systems, improving the quality of the care provided, [1] patient outcomes, and [2] reducing the side effects of most of the current treatments? Unfortunately, the role of organic agriculture in future human health treatment still represents a binary organic-conventional question, a debate perpetuating an either/or mentality. However, extracellular exosomes-like nanoparticles define a new organic path that plants and vegetables can release. In this review, we concisely propose plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles and discuss their most important biological and pharmacological roles, representing a new tool for drug delivery.

AREAS COVERED

plant-derived exosomes-like nanovesicles; nature farming; green manufacturing practice; drug delivery; organic agriculture.

EXPERT OPINION

There is growing interest in the potential use of plant-derived exosomes-like nanovesicles for various diagnostic and therapeutic applications that should translate into a supplement to current nano-pharmaceuticals. Despite their clinical potential, the lack of sensitive preparatory and analytical technologies for plant-derived exosomes-like nanovesicles poses a barrier to clinical translation. An increasing number of articles are recently published on new analytical platforms to address these challenges in cross-comparison with conventional assay methods. This review also mentions two patents from ExoLab-Italia on plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles, respectively, on plant-derived exosome-like nanovesicles' ability to naturally deliver a series of potentially therapeutic molecules and a novel approach to upload them with therapeutic molecules.

Extracellular Vesicle-Based SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine

Messenger ribonucleic acid (RNA) vaccines are mainly used as SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Despite several issues concerning storage, stability, effective period, and side effects, viral vector vaccines are widely used for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Recently, viral vector-encapsulated extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been suggested as useful tools, owing to their safety and ability to escape from neutral antibodies. Herein, we summarize the possible cellular mechanisms underlying EV-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.

Combinational treatments of RNA interference and extracellular vesicles in the spinocerebellar ataxia

Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease (ND) with a high mortality rate. Symptomatic treatment is the only clinically adopted treatment. However, it has poor effect and serious complications. Traditional diagnostic methods [such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)] have drawbacks. Presently, the superiority of RNA interference (RNAi) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) in improving SCA has attracted extensive attention. Both can serve as the potential biomarkers for the diagnosing and monitoring disease progression. Herein, we analyzed the basis and prospect of therapies for SCA. Meanwhile, we elaborated the development and application of miRNAs, siRNAs, shRNAs, and EVs in the diagnosis and treatment of SCA. We propose the combination of RNAi and EVs to avoid the adverse factors of their respective treatment and maximize the benefits of treatment through the technology of EVs loaded with RNA. Obviously, the combinational therapy of RNAi and EVs may more accurately diagnose and cure SCA.